Christmas Gift Guide: The best books for your best friend

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's hard to find a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list.

These books are the perfect choices for your best friend.
These books are the perfect choices for your best friend.  © Unsplash/@thoughtcatalog

Thankfully, when it comes to lifelong friends, we often know them better than they know themselves. This makes them the perfect recipient of a thoughtful gift.

After all, there may be no better gift than a book that has been carefully selected for someone.

From essays that will change your perspective on life to a thriller mystery you'll chat about for hours after finishing, these are the best books to gift the close friends in your life this holiday season.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Comedian Mindy Kaling has written two essay collections, including Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
Comedian Mindy Kaling has written two essay collections, including Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?  © screenshot/Instagram/@bobskabooks

Mindy Kaling is a powerhouse in the world of comedy, and her prowess shines through on the page as well.

Her 2011 memoir, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, combines several essays together as the comedian reflects on friendship, show business, love, and much more.

Led by a profoundly relatable and equally hilarious voice, Kaling's memoir is perfect for fans of her many Hollywood projects and anyone who talks about The Office just a bit too much.

The Guest List by Lisa Foley

The Guest List is the perfect mystery to read and discuss with your friends.
The Guest List is the perfect mystery to read and discuss with your friends.  © screenshot/Instagram/@rachelscozyreads

Everyone loves a good murder mystery, and The Guest List is sure to impress every friend on your gift list!

The novel takes place during a wedding on a remote island off the Irish coast. As the guests' dark secrets are exposed, the evening takes a terrible turn in epic whodunit fashion.

With twists and turns you'll never see coming, Foley expertly weaves an impressive tale that intertwines nearly every guest on the list.

To make this an extra special gift, snag a copy for yourself as well and have a book club-style discussion about this addictive thriller!

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow debuted to significant critical acclaim this year.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow debuted to significant critical acclaim this year.  © screenshot/Instagram/@sfbookgirl

What better book to give your friend than one about an enduring friendship?

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow is making the rounds on all of the roundups of this year's best books – and for very good reason.

Zevin's novel traces two friends, Sam and Sadie, through their decades-long journey from childhood friends to brilliant and successful video game creators.

Unflinchingly raw and heartwarmingly beautiful, this novel deserves all the hype and more.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

Everything I Know About Love is popular on TikTok.
Everything I Know About Love is popular on TikTok.  © screenshot/Instagram/@bookstrissa

Dolly Alderton's Everything I Know About Love is a favorite on BookTok, and it's the perfect gift for a friend this holiday season.

From navigating the workplace to coping with heartbreak, Alderton's memoir runs the gamut of everything one needs to know in life.

The book will resonate with anyone who feels like everyone else has some secret to having their lives together that continues to somehow escape from our reach.

Everything I Know About Love is the epitome of meaningful and moving advice that every friend craves.

Happy holidays, book worms!

Cover photo: Unsplash/@thoughtcatalog

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